Author: David Halgrimson
It is not always necessary to get all of a subject in the image. Many times high impact and interest can be achieved by getting real close and focusing on a small part of a subject. This works with plants, animals, buildings, people and anything you shoot. The best way to do this, if possible, is to get physically closer rather than shooting from afar and then cropping in post processing. Make sure when getting close that you stay safe, safety first in my book. There are many ways to get close, moving our feet closer, climbing up, stooping down, moving left or right some times lying down and there is also the use of a telephoto lens. Always consider the subject, is it at your normal eyesight, is it down near the ground, small animals, is it swimming, is it tall or in a tree? Where ever it is take that into consideration when composing your shot and when possible get to the best angle.
Here are a few examples of getting in close.
For the duck, I was on my bell
y next to the shore.
The Zebra I was stand a little over him.
The Ostrich I was a little below but in a vehicle so could not change my position
The Spider, close with a macro lens and a little above to get the eye but at a safe distance just in case it didn’t like me.
David Halgrimson is a trip leader with Arizona Highways Photo Workshops.